BRENT BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN

2001

Brent Parks Service Brent Environmental Services

Contents:

1.0 Introduction 2.0 Biodiversity in Brent: our vision 3.0 Brent’s Biodiversity Assets 4.0 Action Plan Priorities 5.0 Conclusion Appendix 1: The Brent Biodiversity team/ Partnership

Action Plans

Bibliography and Reference lists

Brent Council Brent Parks Service: Head of Parks Service Shaun Faulkner Service Development Manager Jill Connolly Contact: Leslie Williams Barham Park Office, 660 , , Sudbury, HA0 2HB Tel: 020 8937 5619 Fax: 020 8903 3799 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.brent.gov.uk/services

Brent Environmental Services: Contact: Des O’Grady Brent web site: www.brent.gov.uk/brain

Greater Authority: officer shadowing the Brent BAP: Dr Meg Game 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Why does biodiversity matter? Biodiversity is the word we use to describe the incredible variety of living things on the Earth. It includes both plants and animals, and extends from the largest species down to the smallest micro-organisms. This variety has taken millions of years to evolve. It is also very fragile. Animals, plants and their habitats depend on each other in ways that we do not always understand and interact in the complex ecological cycles developed since life evolved on earth; they constitute our ‘ecological stock’ or ‘capital’ which must be preserved for generations to come. Changes that we have made to the natural environment through using land, polluting air and water, and exploiting plants and animals have killed off some species, and threaten others. Many rich habitats that were once plentiful are now scarce. We do not even understand the value of what we have lost and what we are about to lose. We depend on this wonderful variety of plants, animals and micro-organisms for food, raw materials, medicines and to maintain the environment that we need for survival. Every species that is lost impoverishes us and threatens our long- term future. 1.2 Biodiversity Action Plans It is now nearly ten years since governments from across the world met in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 at what became known as “the Earth Summit”. One of the important agreements that they reached is called the Biodiversity Convention. Through this convention, each government, including our own, agreed to prepare detailed plans to protect the biodiversity of their own country. These plans set out what is to be done to protect important habitats and individual species. In the UK, a National Action Plan has identified hundreds of species and habitats and which need special attention. Every local authority area has been asked to set up a partnership to prepare detailed local plans that reflect local as well as national priorities. In Brent the first Biodiversity Action Plan was agreed in 1999. We are now revising it, and proposing detailed Action Plans for important local habitats and some species. The Brent Biodiversity Team will review the overall Plan each year into the future since the National Action Plan does not set a time scale or a set target date for overall implementation: rather the National Action Plan is perceived as an evolving process with ongoing in-built review. The has a statutory duty to prepare a Biodiversity Strategy for London. This is the first ever statutory biodiversity strategy at the regional level, and will provide a broad framework for biodiversity in the capital. It is not restricted to priority habitats or species. When preparing this strategy, the Mayor must have regard to the local Biodiversity Action Plans of the and the . The Biodiversity Strategy will be available for public consultation from September 20th 2001 and January 4th 2002. The final version will be published in 2002.

In implementing the Strategy, the Mayor will work with many organisations, including the London Biodiversity Partnership. This consortium was formed in 1996 and includes a wide spectrum of organisations, including representatives from the London Boroughs, Association of London Government, Thames Water, British Waterways, English Nature, London Wildlife Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. The Partnership is preparing a Biodiversity Action Plan for London, and published its first volume of plans in January 2001. When complete, the Action Plan will cover all important wildlife habitats and a number of priority species. The Mayor’s involvement as a member of the London Biodiversity Partnership provides an opportunity to ensure the delivery of many of the proposals in the Biodiversity Strategy.

2.0 Biodiversity in Brent: our vision 2.1 Preserving our Biodiversity Our aim is to preserve and enhance the biodiversity of the London Borough of Brent by taking a more long-term view towards the management of local habitats. We regard this aim as a duty on us because of the intrinsic importance of maintaining biodiversity. We also believe that it will improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors. ♦ Brent is largely urban and little of its natural habitat and wildlife remains. We will identify such remnants and other valuable or unusual habitats and seek to manage them to increase their value. ♦ There is huge potential for increasing biodiversity in private gardens, parks, roadside verges, street trees and other elements of ‘the urban nature reserve’. We will plan to exploit this potential. ♦ Where individual species have a local population which is significant at a regional or national level, the relevant species action plans prepared by the Authority to protect and promote those species, will be implemented by the Council. ♦ We will work towards an overall long-term strategy which will attempt to draw more financial resources to maintain and enhance our ecological stock and ensure more long-term investment to protect our ecological assets.

2.2 Engaging the Community The 24 individual Action Plans in this document form the Biodiversity Action Plan ‘work programme’ for the coming year and subsequent years. Many of these individual Action Plans rely on the invaluable contribution of local residents and volunteers, and on local organisations. This participation is one of the pillars of Local Agenda 21 which aims to promote social and environmental sustainability, and help local people shape their local physical and social environment. Local residents help in many ways. They carry out practical hands on work in the Borough. They monitor our local biodiversity and the progress we are making. They offer valuable ides and opinions when consulted about local projects and regeneration initiatives. In Brent, local volunteers in one organisation alone, Barn Hill Conservation Group, contribute 600 working days a year in hands-on work such as planting, gardening and coppicing. Volunteers also help monitor target habitats and species, with the benefit of periodic training and assistance from the Parks Service. The volunteer-led Ecological Monitoring Team has rationalised the biodiversity monitoring process over the past years and developed an effective methodology, which focuses on target areas and their aggregate species. Local voluntary organisations have taken advantage of their charitable status to bid for funding used for conservation projects, and as such are essential partners for the Council. This approach ensures that the organisation has ownership of the project’s design and implementation. Many of the site-specific projects outlined in the Action Plans are environmental regeneration projects which are shaped through extensive consultation processes.

3.0 Brent’s Biodiversity Assets 3.1 Brent is an urban borough which is part of the London Basin natural area. Its geology and habitats were influenced by the predominant London clay and by the . By the early 1930s, it had become urbanised. Brent has 366 hectares of semi-natural habitat, 8% of the borough – less than half that of Camden (17%) and Harrow (21%). Brent is fortunate in possessing two extensive semi-natural habitat areas: (103 hectares (ha)) and (102 ha) of which 49 ha are in Brent. Also known as the , the Brent Reservoir, with its seemingly natural and large lake enclosed in greenery, is one of the best places in London to watch birds. The Grand Union Canal (12 ha in Brent), should also be noted. These three sites are classified as ‘Sites of Metropolitan Importance’. 3.2 The most important sites are Sites of Metropolitan Importance because they contain the best examples of London’s habitats and wildlife. ‘Borough Sites’ are the next most important conservation areas. The third group are ‘Local Sites’, of importance to local communities. Two of our best sites, Fryent Country Park, and Brent Reservoir, have additional designations. The Brent Reservoir is designated a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ (SSSI). Fryent Country Park is a ‘Local Nature Reserve’. There are 21 sites of Borough Importance such as Gladstone Park, , and Old St Andrew’s churchyard at Kingsbury. In addition, there are 17 Sites of Local Importance; they include for example, Cemetery, the Pimple and the Orchard of Malorees Infant and Junior School. These sites have been reviewed in the Nature Conservation in Brent, published in March 2000 by the London Ecology Unit; it is the result of an audit which forms an integral part of the Biodiversity Action Plan. 3.4 Brent is endowed with distinct wildlife habitats that are home to particular species of plants and animals. The following habitats feature a variety of species, of which but a few have been selected for the purpose of this report. These habitats can be found in a range of sites including Fryent Country Park, Brent Reservoir, Grand Union Canal and parks such as Gladstone Park. Woodland • Green Woodpecker, Speckled Wood butterfly • Trees (Oak, Ash, Hazel, Wild Service Tree) • Lichens, Bluebells

Hedgerows • Gatekeeper butterfly, Wood Mouse • Wild Rose, Hawthorn • Narrow-leaved Bitter-Cress (nationally scarce species)

Grasslands: • Meadow flowers (Great Burnet, Meadowsweet, Meadow Vetchling) • Grasses (Crested Dogstail, Cocksfoot, Meadow Barley)

Wetlands • Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Moorhen • Smooth Newt, Common Frog, Toad

Gardens, Formal Parks, Cemeteries • Blue Tit, Robin, House Sparrow • Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock butterflies • Foxes • Slow Worm • Buddleia.

The scientific elements of biodiversity have been documented in an extensive bibliography some of which is listed towards the end of this Plan (Bibliography and Reference lists).

4.0 Action Plan Priorities

4.1 Twenty-four individual Action Plans are attached, forming the core work programme of the Brent Biodiversity Action Plan. However, it is useful to single out the main opportunities for Brent’s biodiversity work.

These opportunities reflect the priorities highlighted by Brent’s Biodiversity Team, comprised of the Council’s Park Services and its partner organisations. The headlines which summarise priorities for action in the future are:

• Private gardens • Street trees • Grass verges • Allotments • River Brent • Public Open Space.

The criteria used to identify these priorities will become clearer as each priority is briefly presented. However, in general, the criteria are a function of environmental and social sustainability in a densely urbanised borough with one of the highest levels of deprivation. The criteria reflect firstly, the need to protect our existing stock of green space, e.g. gardens which form nearly 20% of that stock; secondly, the need to create an environment contributing to community regeneration, being owned by the community for the benefit of children, parents and the elderly e.g. Recreation Ground and Gibbons Recreation Ground.

4.2 Private Gardens

As stated in Action Plan 1.0, private and residential gardens are collectively the largest area of green space in Brent, estimated at 19% of the borough. The Brent Garden Wildlife Association was formed in spring 2000 to encourage wildlife gardening. Its website is at http://communities.msn.com.gardenwildlife. This is an example of the type of opportunity whose potential can be developed through local residents, with additional support provided by a local organisation.

In addition, New Leaf, an environmental charity supported by the Council, has organised the distribution of trees to local residents. More financial support is needed to increase the frequency and effectiveness of such events.

4.3 Street Trees

Street trees are a valued part of people’s every-day environment, and present an opportunity to improve environmental quality and biodiversity. According to a 1992 Council survey, Brent had approximately 25,000 to 27,000 street trees. Since then, an average of 180 trees have been lost each year through vandalism, old age, disease, driveway construction, subsidence claims and action by statutory utilities such as gas, water, electricity and telecommunications.

The attached Action Plan 2 states that there has been no systematic street tree replacement programme. A highway tree management policy report has been commissioned from an arboricultural consultant in Street Care, the Council Service responsible for the maintenance of street trees, to examine issues such as the lack of a replacement programme and advise on a course of action.

There has been a shift from planting forest trees lining streets to smaller, ornamental trees because they are less likely to damage property in an urban setting. However, ornamental trees have a shorter life span than forest-size trees and may need replacing on a 20-25 year cycle, strengthening the case for a long-term approach to the maintenance of Brent’s street trees. Action Plan 2.0 calls for the investigation of resources for long-term street tree replanting Programme and investigating the adoption by the Council of a code of Best Practice on the use of de-icing salt in relation to trees.

4.4 Roadside Verges

The wildlife value of roadside verges (and roundabouts) in the Borough could potentially be improved. In Brent where the landscape is partly dominated by industrial development, and by roads, verges are a resource that should not be overlooked. Some limited trials are being undertaken to investigate whether improved management or new planting could improve the visual and wildlife value of verges and mown grassland. In particular, consideration is being given to ‘late summer yellows’ such as Autumnal Hawkbit, Cat’s Ear and Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil, which flower at low-cutting heights.

4.5 Allotments

Brent allotments provide food, and also other benefits for the allotment holders, including exercise. While a proportion of each allotment site is effectively under arable cultivation, there are many small areas that are of value to wildlife, e.g. amphibians, birds, insects, and slow worms. The Borough, with its 23 allotment sites, falls short of the national standards for allotment provision, that is a distance of 0.8 kilometre or less, from home to allotment plot. In fact, the current maximum distance for any resident to gain access to an allotment is 2.6 kilometre.

The Indicators for a Sustainable Brent which will be published in 2001, have identified an Access to Allotments Indicator which sets 2.6km as the new standard for any Brent resident to gain access to an allotment. In addition, the Indicator document proposes that up till 2010, no allotment with over 20% usage will be developed for affordable housing. The proposed 20% threshold, agreed with Planning Services, aims to provide a measure determining at which point allotments can be said to “no longer be required” (OS22) and “where there is a significantly high level of vacancies” (10.13.2). It is intended that the 20% usage threshold will help interpret the Unitary Development 2000-2010 replacement Plan guidance which states in 10.13.2: “Policy, therefore is based on the protection of sites where demand has fallen and there is a significantly high level of vacancies.”

Take-up of allotments is in decline. Brent Parks Service which is responsible for allotments, is focusing on promotion to encourage greater demand. As stated in Action Plan 5.5, the Parks Service is working with the Brent Federation of Allotments and Horticultural Societies to promote the benefits of allotment holding and their value for wildlife.

The provision of allotments is currently under review as part of the Best Value process. However, the level of allotment maintenance and promotion by the Parks Service has been affected by the Service’s substantial overall budget reduction for some years.

4.6 River Brent

The River Brent flowing through Brent’s floodplains was contained in a straight, concrete lined channel to contain extreme flows that occur relatively infrequently. The river, as explained in Action Plan 5.9 has been divorced from its natural landscape and the natural wildlife of the area was lost. The adjacent Recreation Ground and St Raphael’s Open Space serve some the more deprived communities in Brent. The Council has been working with the Environment Agency, jointly commissioning a feasibility study that explores the options for enhancements along the 2km stretch of river.

The aim of the River Brent Project is to restore the river and landscape with the adjoining open spaces, improve their nature conservation value, as well as the accessibility, safety and recreation opportunities. Extensive consultation has been undertaken with the community. Further funding is currently sought to implement the Project in conjunction with a broad range of external partners such as the London Waterway Partnership SRB, the London Development Agency, and the River Brent Steering Group. This is an excellent example of the kind of ‘multi-stakeholder’ partnership that is essential for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and without which the Council’s aims cannot be achieved.

The environmental quality of rivers and streams is the remit of the Environment Agency. Air Quality is the jurisdiction of Brent’s Environmental Health Unit. For this reason, these areas have not been covered by individual Action Plans. The Parks Service use lichens as a biodiversity indicator because they are extremely efficient at extracting nutrients from air moisture and thus vulnerable to air pollutants.

4.7 Site Specific Priorities

The list of Action Plans is reproduced below to sketch a picture of the allocation of priorities in Brent’s Biodiversity Plan. It is reproduced in three Groups – a, b, c - to highlight the emphasis on site-specific Action Plans which in some cases, need to be ‘re-claimed’ by the local community.

Group a 1.0 Gardens 2.0 Streetscape 3.1 Woodland, Hedgerow and Trees 3.2 Grasslands and Hay Meadows 3.3 Wetlands and Ponds 4.1 Species Action Plans 4.2 Narrow-leaved Bitter-cress 5.1 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance 5.2 Grand Union Canal and Canal Feeder 5.3 Railside Habitats 5.4 Churchyards and Cemeteries 5.5 Allotments 5.6 Parkland and Horticulture

Group b 5.7 Brent Reservoir including Neasden Recreation Ground 5.8 Quainton Street Open Space to Chalkhill 5.9 River Brent at Tokyngton and St. Raphael’s Open Spaces and north towards 5.10 Fryent Country Park 5.11 Gibbons Recreation Ground and adjacent Open Spaces 5.12 Roundwood Park 5.13 Gladstone Park 5.14 5.15 Woodcock Park and the Wealdstone Brook

Group c 6.0 Environmental Education 7.0 Community Involvement

Group (a) covers generic habitat activities. Group (b) includes specific sites that have potential but are at different stages of funding. Projects such as the Brent Reservoir and Neasden Recreation Ground are vital to the borough in terms of regeneration as well as conservation, and have secured substantial funding. Other projects with considerable potential in areas of high social exclusion, such as Quainton Street Open Space to Chalkhill, or Gibbons Recreation Ground and adjacent Open Spaces, have not yet accessed funding. Such sites with little or no existing funding are priorities within Brent’s Biodiversity Plan.

Group (c) covers environmental education and community involvement, as ways of engaging people in biodiversity through education, hands-on conservation work and guided walks. The Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre is an important resource for education. Nature areas are an excellent way of introducing city-bound children to flora and fauna. Nature areas have been developed in 42 of the Borough schools. Some of the site-specific projects have obtained funding for interpretation and access to green open space in recognition of the fact that local people of all ages benefit from information on biodiversity.

5.0 Conclusion

5.1 Unregulated urban development - in the wake of past industrial development in Brent - is in itself a threat to biodiversity. Brent’s Unitary Development replacement Plan 2001 is the principal tool at the Council’s disposal to determine land use. However, the requirement to provide additional affordable housing in Brent is a pressure which requires judicious management and innovative solutions such as high density design.

There are political and economic pressures for commercial and industrial development as well. Another threat arises out of social exclusion and anti-social behaviour such as vandalism and fly-tipping. Pollution in all its forms constitutes a tangible threat to biodiversity. Finally, lack of financial resources threaten progress in nature conservation because it prohibits investment through rolling programmes over a number of years. Only a concerted, long-term effort by all Council services especially those working in Environmental Services and Regeneration can overcome many of these threats over time.

5.2 Budget levels, in services such as Parks Service and Street Care, have implications for biodiversity, in particular with respect to generic activities such as allotments or tree planting. Some site-specific projects can be developed though partnership with other organisations and local community groups which can seek grant funding. Whilst the partnership approach has been fully integrated into the Council’s ethos, a more long-term view in terms of investing in the maintenance of Brent’s biodiversity assets will be essential if it is to take the leadership in the protection of biodiversity.

Appendix 1. The Brent Biodiversity Team /partnership

Barn Hill Conservation Group Brent Access Group Brent Garden Wildlife Association Brent Group of London Wildlife Trust Brent Environmental Services, and including Brent Cemeteries and Mortuary Service Brent Environmental Health Brent Planning Service Brent Parks Service Brent Local Agenda 21 Team Streetcare Brent Geological Society Brent Federation of Allotment and Horticultural Societies Brent Museum Service (depository and access to some Biological Records) British Lichen Society British Trust for Conservation Volunteers British Waterways Butterfly Conservation Countryside Agency Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Countryside Stewardship) Ecological Monitoring Team Environment Agency English Nature (The) Ethel Haywood Memorial Trust Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens Forestry Authority (Woodland Grant Scheme) Friends of Fryent Country Park Friends of Fryent Country Park (Natural Magic team) Friends of Gibbons Recreation Ground Friends of Neasden Recreation Ground Friends of Paddington Old Cemetery Friends of Roundwood Park Friends of St. Andrew’s Churchyard, Kingsbury Gladstone Park Steering Group and Consultative Committee Heritage Lottery Fund John Dobson (entomologist) Kingsbury Walkers. Lions Clubs International (Lions Club of Chipping Barnet) London Boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, and Harrow. London Natural History Society London Walking Forum London Wildlife Trust Middlesex Community Service Natural Pioneers Millennium Awards Unit (BTCV/Millennium Commission) New Leaf (Brent Business for the Environment) River Brent Community Steering Group Schools (see list) Soil Association St. Andrew’s Church, Kingsbury Welsh Harp Conservation Group Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee Welsh Harp Sailing Association Wembley History Society History Society World Wildlife Fund (Harrow and Brent Group) 6th Wembley (Tokyngton) Scout Group

Other partners will be sought.

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Action Plans Index:

Group a 1.0 Gardens 2.0 Streetscape 3.1 Woodland, Hedgerow and Trees 3.2 Grasslands and Hay Meadows 3.3 Wetlands and Ponds 4.1 Species Action Plans 4.2 Narrow-leaved Bitter-cress 5.1 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance 5.2 Grand Union Canal and Canal Feeder 5.3 Railside Habitats 5.4 Churchyards and Cemeteries 5.5 Allotments 5.6 Parkland and Horticulture

Group b 5.7 Brent Reservoir including Neasden Recreation Ground 5.8 Quainton Street Open Space to Chalkhill 5.9 River Brent at Tokyngton and St. Raphael’s Open Spaces and north towards Wembley Stadium 5.10 Fryent Country Park 5.11 Gibbons Recreation Ground and adjacent Open Spaces 5.12 Roundwood Park 5.13 Gladstone Park 5.14 Roe Green Park 5.15 Woodcock Park and the Wealdstone Brook

Group c 6.0 Environmental Education 7.0 Community Involvement

BRENT BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCE LISTS

Contact: Leslie Williams, Brent Council Parks Service, 660 Harrow Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 2HB. Tel: 020 8937 5619. Fax: 020 8903 3799. E-mail: [email protected]

1 Bibliography 2 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance in Brent 3 Schools with Nature Areas in their grounds 4 Council and planning policy on biodiversity issues

1. Bibliography

ALL SOULS COLLEGE. 1597. Hovenden maps of Kingsbury. All Souls College, Oxford. ANON. 1993. Preliminary fish population study: Welsh Harp Reservoir. Unpublished. BATTEN, L.A. 1972a. The past and present bird life of the Brent Reservoir and its vicinity. London Naturalist 50: 8-62. BATTEN, L.A. 1972b. Breeding bird diversity in relation to increasing urbanisation. Bird Study 19: 157-166. BATTEN, L.A. 1977. Sailing on reservoirs and its effects on waterbirds. Biological Conservation 11: 49-58. BATTEN, L. 1989? Habitat Management for Bird Species in Urban Wetland. Welsh Harp Report 2: 22-27. BOLTON, D.K. 1971. Harrow, including Pinner. In Cockburn, J.S. and Baker, T.F.T. (Eds.). The Victoria History of the Counties of . A History of Middlesex. 4: 169-269. The University of London Institute of Historical Research. Oxford University Press. BOLTON, D.K. 1976. Kingsbury. In and Baker, T.F.T. (Ed.). The Victoria History of the Counties of England. A History of Middlesex. 5: 49-88. The University of London Institute of Historical Research. Oxford University Press. BOWMAN, N. 1991. The Welsh Harp Disturbance Study. Welsh Harp Report 1991: 5-7. BRAUN, H. 1937a. The Hundred of Gore and its moot-hedge. Transactions of the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society 7: 218-228. BRAUN, H. 1937b. Some earthworks of north-west Middlesex. The Hundred of Gore and its moot-hedge. Transactions of the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society 7: 365-392. BRENT COUNCIL. 1997. Brent Local Agenda 21. Brent Council. BRENT COUNCIL. 1999. Our Vision for the Environment. Brent’s Local Agenda 21 Action Plan. Update 1999. Brent Council/London Borough of Brent. BRENT COUNCIL. 2001. Action Plan 2001 for a sustainable Brent. Brent Council. BRENT COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. 2000. Implications of Brent air quality review and assessment 2000/2001. London Borough of Brent Environmental Health. BRENT COUNCIL LOCAL AGENDA 21 TEAM. 2000. Indicators for a Sustainable Brent. 1st Consultation Draft. Brent Council. BRENT COUNCIL. 2000. London Borough of Brent. Replacement Unitary Development Plan (2000-2010). Deposit Draft. Brent Council. BRENT PARKS SERVICE & BARN HILL CONSERVATION GROUP. 1995/96. Fryent Country Park Management Plan. Brent Parks Service, Brent Council. BRENT COUNCIL PARKS SERVICE & WELSH HARP JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE. 2001. Welsh Harp / Brent Reservoir Management Plan. Brent Council Parks Service. BROCK, J.P. & SHAW, M.R. 1997. Perithous albicinctus (Gravenhorst), a large pimpline ichneumon-wasp new to Britain (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Entomologist’s Gazatte 48: 49-50. BURTON, R.M. 1983. Flora of the London Area. London Natural History Society. DAWSON, D.G. & WORRELL, A. 1992. The amount of each kind of ground cover in Greater London. London Ecology Unit. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT. 1994 . Biodiversity: The UK Action Plan. Summary Report. Department of the Environment. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS. 1998 Making Biodiversity Happen. DETR. DOBSON, J.R. 1996. Some nationally rare Tachinidae (Diptera) from Brent Reservoir including the second British record of Thecocarcelia acutangulata (Macuquart). Entomologist’s Record 18: 308-310. ENGLISH NATURE. 1998. Priority Biodiversity Action Plan Species in the London Basin Natural Area. English Nature.

Brent Council, bapref.doc, 24.11.2001 1 ENGLISH NATURE. 1998. London Basin Natural Area Profile: Addendum. English Nature. ENGLISH NATURE. 1999. Nature Areas in London and the South East Region. English Nature. ENGLISH NATURE. 1999b. Sustainable development and regional Biodiversity Indicators for London. English Nature. ENVIRONMENT AGENCY. 1996?. Brent and Crane Catchment Management Plan. Environment Agency. ENVIRONMENT AGENCY. 1997. Brent and Crane Catchment Management Plan. First Annual Review. Environment Agency. GREATER LONDON ECOLOGY UNIT. 1987. A Nature Conservation Strategy for London: The London Borough of Brent. Greater London Ecology Unit. HARE, T. 1988. London’s Meadows and Pastures (Neutral Grassland). London Ecology Unit. HEWLETT, G. 1979. A History of Wembley. Brent Library Service, London. HEWLETT, J. YARHAM, I. & CURSON, D. 1997. Nature Conservation in Barnet. London Ecology Unit. HOLLIS, J.M. 1992. Proposals for the classification, description and mapping of soils in urban areas. English Nature. JOHNSTON, J. 1990. Nature Areas for City People. London Ecology Unit. KENT, D.H. 1975. The Historical Flora of Middlesex. The Ray Society, London. KENT. D.H. 2000. Flora of Middlesex. A Supplement to The Historical Flora of Middlesex. The Ray Society, London. LAND USE CONSULTANTS. 1998. Gladstone Park: Ecological Assessment. LUC. LONDON BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP. 2000. The London Biodiversity Audit. London Biodiversity Partnership. LONDON BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP. 2000b. The London Biodiversity Action Plan. Volume 2. Consultation drafts. Greater London Athority. LONDON ECOLOGY UNIT. 1998. Protected Species in London. London Ecology Unit. LONDON NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. (Annually). London Bird Report. London Natural History Society. McLAUCHLIN, J., WILLIAMS, L.R. and HARRISON, T.G. 1986. Artificial bat caves in London. Bat News 9: 6. MORRIS, J.C. 1950. The Willesden Survey 1949. The Corporation of Willesden. MURRAY, J.B. 1997. Hertfordshire and Middlesex Butterfly Report for 1997. Hertfordshire and Middlesex Branch, Butterfly Conservation. MURRAY, J.B. & SOUTER, R. 1998. Hertfordshire and Middlesex Butterfly and MothReport for 1997. Hertfordshire and Middlesex Branch, Butterfly Conservation. O’FARRELL., Gen. 1999. Involving communities in the Biodiversity Action Planning process. A London Case Study: Exploring the realities of translating biodiversity action planning theory to action on the ground. Unpublished: M.Sc. dissertation, University College, London. SALISBURY, E.J. 1921. Vegetation of drying mud and retarded germination. Naturalist 21: 329-332, 365-366. SELF, A.S.M. 1998. Great White Egret at Brent Reservoir – New to the London Area. London Bird Report for 1997 62:199 SIMMS, E. 1962. A study of suburban bird-life at . British Birds 55: 1-36. UK LOCAL ISSUES ADVISORY GROUP. 1997. Guidance for Local Biodiversity Action Plans. Guidance Note 1: An introduction. 2: Developing Partnerships. 3: How Local Biodiversity Action Plans relate to other plans. 4: Evaluation priorities and setting targets for habitats and species. 5: Incentives and advice for Biodiversity. Local Government Management Board. URBAN POLLUTION RESEARCH CENTRE. 1991. Oil pollution monitoring and impacts in the Silk Stream and Welsh Harp Catchment. Middlesex Polytechnic. WILLIAMS, L.R. and CUNNINGTON, W. 1985. Dating a hedgerow landscape in Middlesex: Fryent Country Park. London Naturalist 64: 7-22. WILLIAMS, L.R., CUNNINGTON, W. and HEWLETT, G. 1985. Evidence for a surviving Humphry Repton landscape: Barnhills Park, Wembley. Transactions of the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society 36: 189-202. WILLIAMS, L.R. and FOWLER, J.A. 1986. Dixella attica Pandazis (Dipt., Dixidae) in a restored pond in Middlesex. Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine 122: 258. WILLIAMS, L.R. 1986. Hay meadow flora at Fryent Country Park, Middlesex. London Naturalist 65: 65-81. WILLIAMS, L.R., McLAUCHLIN, J. and HARRISON, T.G. 1987. Hedgerows surviving in suburban Kingsbury. London Naturalist 66: 35-39. WILLIAMS, L.R. and McLAUGHLIN, J. 1988. Tracing old hedgerows in suburban areas. The Local Historian 18: 65-68. WILLIAMS, L.R. 1988. Sanguisorba officinalis Linneaus.: a foodplant of Biston betularia (L.) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). Entomologist’s Record 100: 41-42. WILLIAMS, L.R. and BERTRAND, N. 1988. Grasslands on Barn Hill and , Middlesex. London Naturalist 67: 25-30. WILLIAMS, L.R. and SMITH, J. 1988. Hedgerows surviving in Willesden. London Naturalist 67: 21-23. WILLIAMS, L.R. 1989a. Crataegus x media Bechst. in Middlesex hedgerows. Watsonia 17: 364-365. WILLIAMS, L.R. 1989b. The survival of rural hedgerows in a London Borough. London Naturalist 68: 25-33. WILLIAMS, L.R. 1989c. A list of the surviving rural hedgerows in the London Borough of Brent. Unpublished. WILLIAMS, L.R. 1990. Pond restoration and flora at Fryent Country Park, Middlesex. London Naturalist 69: 21-

Brent Council, bapref.doc, 24.11.2001 2 26. WILLIAMS, L.R., KWISSA, A., BROWN, D. and BROWN, J. 1991. Butterfly monitoring at Fryent Country Park, Middlesex, 1986-1990. London Naturalist 70: 73-80. WILLIAMS, L.R. and NORTHCROFT, K. 1992. Heritage Land: the case for Fryent Country Park. London Naturalist 71: 33-42. WILLIAMS, L.R. and GREEN, M. 1993. Pond restoration and common frog populations at Fryent Country Park, Middlesex, 1983-1993. London Naturalist 72: 15-24. WILLIAMS, L.R. and NORTHCROFT, K. 1994. Reclaimed plastic containers as tree guards effective against Field Vole Microtus agrestis damage. Arboricultural Journal 18: 81-88. WILLIAMS, L.R. 1994. Changes in the hedgerow landscape of Fryent Country Park, 1983-1993. London Naturalist 73: 73-76. WILLIAMS, L.R. 1994. An adaptation of butterfly transect monitoring to survey human park visitors. London Naturalist 73: 143-148. WILLIAMS, L.R. 1995. The management of London Clay grasslands. Unpublished M.Phil. thesis. De Montfort University, Leicester/Brent Ecology Unit, Brent Council Parks. WILLIAMS, L.R., WARREN, C. and HUTCHINSON, P.M. 1995. The flora of the Brent Reservoir, Middlesex. London Naturalist 74: 61-75. WILLIAMS, L.R. 1996. The flora of Fryent Country Park, Middlesex. London Naturalist 75: 45-66. WILLIAMS, L.R. and FOWLER, J.A. 1997. Towards a ‘common plant census’ to monitor environmental change. London Naturalist 76: 67-78. WILLIAMS, L.R., RIX. A. and GREENWOOD, I. 1998. Monitoring butterflies at four open spaces in north-. London Naturalist 77: 91-106. WILLIAMS, Leslie. 1999. Maniola jurtina (Meadow Brown) numbers and cutting dates of hay meadows. Butterfly Conservation’s 3rd International Symposium. WILLIAMS, L.R., RIX. A. and GREENWOOD, I. 1999. Monitoring butterflies in north-west London in 1998. London Naturalist 78: 107-117. WILLIAMS, L.R., FOWLER, J.A. and JARVIS. P. 1999. A Latin square investigation of management Treatments on neutral hay meadow grasslands. London Naturalist 78: 93-102. WILLIAMS, L.R. 2000. Annual variations in the size of a population of Cardamine impatiens L. Watsonia 23: 209-212. WILLIAMS, L.R., FOWLER, J.A. and JARVIS. P. 2000. Hay meadow management trreatments compared using a multivariate analysis. London Naturalist 79: 55-63. WILLIAMS, L.R. 2000. London Butterfly Monitoring Report for 1999. London Naturalist 79: 87-102. WILSON, Julie. 1999. Dragonfly survey of Fryent Country Park. Unpublished, University of Hertfordshire, B.Sc. degree project. WILTSHIRE, E. 1997. Uncommon trees in London. London Naturalist 76: 37-66. YARHAM, I. and GAME, M. 2000. Nature Conservation in Brent. London Ecology Unit.

Wildlife walks in the Borough

• The Capital Ring (section of the round-London footpath) • Nature Conservation in Brent: Walk 1: Roundwood Park, Church End, Gibbons Recreation Ground to Tokyngton. Walk 2: Station, Grand Union Canal, Alperton Cemetery, One Tree Hill. Walk 3: Roe Green Walled Garden, Fryent Country Park (west), Barn Hill. Walk 4: Kingsbury Station, Fryent Country Park (east), St. Andrew’s Churchyard, and the Brent Reservoir. • Fryent Country Park Circular Walk • Hell Lane • See also Walk booklets on areas of the Borough produced by Wembley History Society.

Websites

Brent web site: www.brent.gov.uk/brain

Brent Garden Wildlife Association: http://communities.msn.com/gardenwildlife

Waterways of Brent: www.Brent-waterways.com

Brent Council, bapref.doc, 24.11.2001 3

2. Sites of Nature Conservation Importance in Brent

The following list is summarised from that adopted by the Greater London Authority following the survey of the Borough (Yarham and Game 2000). It is effectively an audit of the nature conservation importance sites, at the time of the survey in the late 1990s. The rankings do not therefore necessarily reflect other aspects of green spaces, nor the potential or plans for improving the nature conservation value of a site.

Sites of Metropolitan Importance: Grand Union Canal Brent Reservoir Fryent Country Park

Sites of Borough Importance (Grade 1): Quainton Street Open Space Dollis Hill Rough (part) and the Ducker Pool Old St. Andrew’s Churchyard, Kingsbury River Brent and woodland north of St. Raphael’s Open Space Railside habitats

Sites of Borough Importance (Grade 2): The Canal Feeder and River Slade Paddington Cemetery Gladstone Park Roundwood Park and Willesden New Cemetery Tokyngton wildflower area, pond and the River Brent Harp Island Abbey Road Mounds Coronation Road Pastures and Siding Grange Roundabout Nature Area St. John’s Old Burial Ground Wealdstone Brook from Kenton to the Jubilee Line St. Mary’s Churchyard, Willesden One Tree Hill Roe Green Park Willesden Reservoir

Sites of Local Importance River Brent west of Stonebridge Meadow Way Copse Kingsbury Hospital Wood Wealdstone Brook – section Brentfield Open Space and Leciester Road Grove Park and Tramway Brook The Pimple Queen’s Park The Old Orchard, Stonebridge Elmwood Park Alperton Cemetery Barham Park Wembley Park Sports Field Brett Crescent backland Barham Primary School Wildlife Area Byron Court Primary School Nature Reserve The Orchard – Malorees Infants and Junior Schools

Brent Council, bapref.doc, 24.11.2001 4 3. Schools with Nature Areas in their grounds

Nursery schools: Curzon Crescent Nursery School Doyle Nursery School Evan Davies Nursery School Primary schools: Anson Primary School Barham Primary School Brentfield School Byron Court Primary School Carlton Vale Infant School Christ Church () C of E School Donnington Primary School Fryent Infant School The New Furness Primary School Gladstone Park Primary School John Keble C of E Primary School Kingsbury Green Primary School Leopold Primary School Lyon Park Infant School Malorees Infant School Mount Stewart Infant School Mount Stewart Junior School Newfield School Northview Primary School Oakington Manor School Oliver Goldsmith Primary School Our Lady of Grace Junior School Preston Park Primary School Princess Frederica School Sinai School St Andrew & St Francis St Joseph’s Junior School St Mary’s RC Infant School St. Robert Southwell RC Primary School Sudbury Junior School Uxendon Manor School Wembley Manor Infant School Secondary Schools Alperton High School Kingsbury High School Cardinal Hinsley High School Convent of Jesus & Mary High School Wembley High School Special Schools Hay Lane Manor School

Brent Council, bapref.doc, 24.11.2001 5 4. Council and planning policy on biodiversity issues

Brent’s Corporate Strategy includes a commitment: ‘6. Creating a Quality Environment: Brent Council aims to protect and enhance the local environment for present and future generations. To create a quality environment we will: • Implement our Local Agenda 21 Action Plan which includes measurable targets for improving the quality of life in Brent • Protect all public open space and seek to improve the quality of, and access to, other urban green space’.

The Council’s Corporate Environmental Policy includes commitments to protecting and enhancing the environment through the management of the Council’s own operations; and in the Council’s statutory and influencing roles. Both contain commitments to biodiversity: ‘Manage land for which the Council is responsible to maintain and enhance its biodiversity and conservation value’; and ‘Conserve and increase biodiversity throughout the Borough.’

Environmental Services includes Sustainability as one of six Environmental Services Beliefs: “We are committed to sustainability in all we do. We are determined to leave a sustainable environment for the benefit of future generations. We will achieve this through promoting best practice and setting an example in all we do”.

In terms of open space policy and the Local Agenda 21 process, reference should be made to the position statement on Open Space and the Natural Environment, and the Action Plan 1997-2001 of the Brent’s State of the Environment Report/Local Agenda 21 information pack (Brent Council 1997, & Brent Council 1999).

The Borough Unitary Development Plan (Brent Council 2000) includes a range of policies that relate directly or indirectly to biodiversity in the Borough. The Unitary Development Plan has also to take into account statutory Policy Planning Guidance as issued by central government. A summary of the main policies relating to biodiversity are: BE7 Public Realm: Streetscape BE27 Open Space in Conservation Areas (re. Private gardens) BE31 Monuments and Earthworks (e.g. Hell Lane, Old Wood Lane, Old Church Lane) BE32 Tree Preservation Orders EP10 Protection of surface water (rivers, brooks, drainage systems, ponds) H16 Backland Development OS1-3 Metropolitan Open Land (e.g. Fryent Country Park area, Welsh Harp area, Northwick Park, Alperton Cemetery, and Gladstone Park) OS4 Areas of Open Character (e.g. Woodcock Park, John Billam Playing Fields, Barham Park) OS5 Green Chains (River Brent and Grand Union Canal) OS6-7 Provision and protection of Public Open Space OS8-9 Sports Grounds OS11 Urban greenspace (Areas of Open Space and Nature Conservation Deficiency) OS12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Sites of Metropolitan and Borough (Grade 1) Nature Conservation Importance (Brent Reservoir and see list of relevant sites in Action Plan Targets) OS13 Sites of Borough (Grade II) and Local Nature Conservation Importance (see list of relevant sites in Action Plan Targets) OS14 Wildlife Corridors (e.g. Wealdstone Brook, land alongside rail lines) OS15 Species Protection OS16 Welsh Harp and Fryent Country Park OS17 New Wildlife Habitats (e.g. Areas of Deficiency, Abbey National site) Brent Council, bapref.doc, 24.11.2001 6 OS21 Metropolitan Walks (e.g. the Capital Ring) OS22 Allotments OS23 Cemeteries and Crematoria

Management Plans exist for the Brent Reservoir area (with and British Waterways) and for Fryent Country Park. Both plans are currently being revised.

Refer also to the Parks Service, ‘Service Development Plan’; and to their Environmental Management System. Environmental Services have an Environmental Management System for all their service units.

Brent Council, bapref.doc, 24.11.2001 7

Action Plan 1 Number Key group: Gardens Action Plan title Gardens

Action Plan Encourage wildlife gardening in the Borough Target

Background Private and residential gardens are collectively the largest area of greenspace in Brent, covering approximately 19% of the Borough. In terms of increasing the biodiversity of the Borough area, gardens present an important opportunity. The Unitary Development Plan mentions the individual and collective value of gardens for nature conservation and their contribution to the diversity of flora and fauna in the Borough. Current status The Brent Garden Wildlife Association was formed in spring 2000 to encourage wildlife gardening in Brent and to provide mutual support to members. They have a web site at http://communities.msn.com/gardenwildlife London/national Habitat Action Plan: Private Gardens BAP cross- Species Action Plan: Several e.g. House Sparrow, Bat, Stag Beetle, reference London’s Exotic Flora

UDP policy H16: Backland Development cross-reference BE27: Open Space in Conservation Areas BE32: Tree Preservation Orders OS15: Species Protection Cost/implications None specific. Considerable volunteer and private time input. Where possible Council Service units may be able to help promote the Action Plan. Main Partners Brent Garden Wildlife Association Brent Business for the Environment (New Leaf) Brent Planning Service Timetable 2001: Membership and promotion drive by the Brent Wildlife Garden Association, continuing to develop a thriving nucleus for wildlife gardening in the Borough.

Measure 100 wildlife gardens/ members in the scheme by December 2001.

Notes Review and set new target in January 2002.

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001

Action Plan 2 Number Key group: Streetscape Action Plan title Streetscape

Action Plan A: To investigate resources for a long-term street tree re-planting Target programme. B: To investigate the adoption by the Council of a Code of Best Practice on the use of de-icing salt in relation to trees. C: To investigate resources for innovations to encourage wildlife and best practice in environmental maintenance of verges. Background The streetscape is of daily significance to those who reside, work in and visit the Borough. There is much opportunity for improving the quality and biodiversity of that resource. These three targets work towards that objective in (A) developing a long-term re-planting programme for street trees; (B) in reducing the damage to street trees, park trees and private trees from unnecessary salt damage; and (C) in investigating how verges, roundabouts, street and Housing greenspace could support more wildlife. Current status A: No resources are currently committed for a long-term street tree re- planting programme for the Borough. B: The Council has not adopted a Borough-wide Code of Best Practice on the use of de-icing salt in relation to trees. C: Observations, only, have been made at some off-street (parkland) sites. London/national Habitat Action Plan: Parks, Amenity Grasslands and City Squares BAP cross- reference

UDP policy BE7: Public Realm: Streetscape cross-reference OS21: Metropolitan Walks Cost/implications None specific to this report, but the subject of further investigation and report. For target 2B, the financial savings to the Council and private land owners would probably exceed the cost of training of staff / contractors. Main Partners StreetCare Service Unit, contractors

Timetable 2001: StreetCare to investigate and report on targets 2A and 2B. Brent Biodiversity Team/partnership to investigate 2C. Measure A: StreetCare to report to Committee in 2001. B: StreetCare to report to Committee in 2001. C: Review to be produced by BAP Team. Notes Review Action Plan and set new target/s in January 2002.

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001

Action Plan 3.1 Number Key group: Habitats Action Plan title Woodland, Hedgerows and Trees Action Plan A: Increase the tree cover in the Borough. Target B: Increase the species and structural diversity of woodland at demonstration sites. Background Trees, hedgerows and woodland provide habitat for wildlife. They also provide environmental benefits in terms of amenity; landscape; shade; amelioration of noise, dust and air pollution; and reduce the speed of stormwater run-off. In some cases woodland and trees provide erosion control and the production of food and timber products. Generally, the emphasis is to plant trees that are natural to the Brent area (and are more likely to support local wildlife); while at other sites trees may be sourced worldwide (e.g. for Arboretum collections). Current status Whilst historically Brent has lost its original woodland cover, there are projects underway to increase the cover of trees, hedgerows and woodland. A Millennium Tree Planting project for open spaces commenced in 1998 and 2,598 trees were planted by March 2001. Traditional management e.g. hedgelaying, coppicing and timber production have been re-introduced at some sites. London/national Habitat Action Plans: Woodland, Private Gardens; Hedgerows; Open BAP cross- Landscapes with Ancient/Old Trees. reference National Habitat Action Plans: Lowland Wood-pasture and parkland. Species Action Plans: Several e.g. Bat, Stag Beetle, Mistletoe UDP policy BE7, BE27, BE31, BE32, OS1, OS2, OS3, OS4, OS5, OS12, OS13, cross-reference OS14, OS15, OS16, Cost/implications None specific. Approximately £13,500 (plus matched funding in volunteer time) has been provided for tree planting as part of the Heritage Lottery Award at the Brent Reservoir. At Fryent Country Park the Forestry Commission provides an annual grant of £960 for tree management of woodlands; and the Countryside Stewardship scheme (MAFF) provides funding for hedgerow restoration. Main Partners Brent Parks Service; Brent Planning Service, and potentially most members of the Brent Biodiversity Team/partnership. Timetable A: 2001: Brent Biodiversity Team to review projects for increasing woodland cover, structural and species diversity. B: Continue hedgelaying, coppicing and woodland management at Gladstone Park, Fryent Country Park, the Brent Reservoir and other sites. Measure A: Number of trees planted 1998-2001. Brent Environmental Services and the GLA may soon have the ability to estimate tree cover using Geographic Information Systems. Tree coverage is also an Indicator (21) for a Sustainable Brent, as part of the Local Agenda 21 process. B: Progress on projects. Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 3.2 Number Key group: Habitats Action Plan title Grasslands and Hay Meadows

Action Plan A: Conserve the hay meadows at Fryent Country Park. Target B: Soil Association Organic Standard certification for hay meadows. C: Conserve acid grassland D: Create new wildlife-rich grasslands in the Borough, e.g. at Neasden Recreation Ground and Quainton Street Open Space. Background Hay meadows and wildlife-rich grasslands are valuable wildlife habitats. The hay meadows at Fryent Country Park are survivors of grasslands that covered much of Brent until the early years of the 20th century. They are some of the best grasslands in London and support a regionally important population of the Meadow Brown butterfly. Over 200 species of flowers have been recorded in the meadows. Acid grassland remnants survive mainly on hills and along the River Brent. Creation and management of wildlife-rich grasslands at other sites in Brent will increase local wildlife. Current status A: The hay meadows at Fryent Country Park are harvested annually (1983 onwards). B: The hay meadows at Fryent Country Park have achieved the Soil Association Organic Standard and are audited annually. C: Acid grassland is fragmented, and in general, threatened in Brent. D: Wildlife grassland has been extended at Neasden Recreation Ground and at Quainton Street Open Space. London/national Habitat Action Plans: Grassland, Meadows and Pasture; Acid Grassland. BAP cross- National Habitat Action Plans: Lowland Meadows; Lowland dry acid reference grassland. The National Vegetation Classification MG4 grassland (in three meadows at Fryent Country Park) is included in the EU Habitats Directive. UDP policy OS1, OS2, OS3, OS12, OS13, OS15, OS16 cross-reference Cost/implications None specific. A Countryside Stewardship grant (Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) contributes towards the hay meadow conservation at Fryent Country Park. Main Partners Brent Parks Service, Barn Hill Conservation Group Timetable A: On-going B: Annual external audit/inspection. Maintain certification. C: On-going D: 2001: Review the success of the wildlife-rich grassland creation at Neasden Recreation Ground and seek further sites for small scale trials. Measure A: Percentage/area of meadows harvested (or flail cut) annually. B: Maintenance of certification: Soil Association Organic Standard. C: Area of acid grassland habitat D: Progress on site projects. Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001

Action Plan 3.3 Number Key group: Habitats Action Plan title Wetlands and Ponds

Action Plan A: Increase the area of freshwater marshland at the Brent Reservoir. Target B: Increase pond habitat in the Borough.

Background Wetlands, ponds and the waters’ edge represent habitat at the interface between open water and land. These habitat types are under-represented in Brent and London, due to habitat loss and land drainage. Wetland habitats are important for wetland flora, amphibian and dragonfly populations. They also provide a teaching resource for environmental education.

Current status A: Heritage Lottery Award project at the Brent Reservoir to conserve marshland, by controlling tree growth at the water’s edge. B: Continue pond restoration and creation where feasible.

London/national Habitat Action Plans: Lakes, Ponds and Reservoirs; Marshland: Reedbed BAP cross- Species Action Plans: Several e.g. Grey Heron, Water Vole, Bats, reference

UDP policy EP10: Protection of surface water, OS1, OS2, OS3, OS5: Green Chains, cross-reference OS12, OS13, OS14, OS15, OS16 Cost/implications None specific. Approximately £4,200 (plus matched funding) has been provided for marshland conservation as part of the Heritage Lottery Award at the Brent Reservoir. Other projects within the Heritage Lottery Award also contribute towards marshland conservation. Main Partners Brent Parks Service, Brent Planning Service, British Waterways, Welsh Harp Conservation Group, Barn Hill Conservation Group, Welsh Harp Sailing Association. Timetable A: Complete Heritage Lottery Award projects in 2001. Prepare long term management plan. B: On-going Measure A: Area of freshwater marshland at the Brent Reservoir. B: Common Frog populations at Fryent Country Park, flora,

Notes Review projects and cross-reference to other Action Plans e.g. for the River Brent at Tokyngton/St. Raphael’s Open Spaces (Action Plan 5.9).

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 4.1 Number Key group: Species Action Plans Action Plan title Species Action Plans

Action Plan To protect, conserve and increase the species diversity of the Borough, Target and in particular those species giving rise to concern.

Background A large number of Species Action Plans have been produced by the Government and its agencies as part of the National Biodiversity Action Plan. The Greater London Authority and the London Biodiversity Partnership are preparing Species Action Plans for London. The Government and the Greater London Authority will look to the Boroughs to deliver the regional and national biodiversity targets for species.

Current status The protection of species will be achieved primarily by the conservation and enhancement of wildlife habitats. As resources are limited locally, Brent officers have not produced individual Species Action Plans for Brent (but see Action Plan 4.2). It is expected however, that the Borough and the Brent Biodiversity Partnership will play a role in helping to implement the London and national Species Action Plans. London/national Habitat Action Plans: All Habitats represented in Brent. BAP cross- Species Action Plans: All Species present, or potentially present, in Brent. reference

UDP policy OS15: Species Protection, potentially several other policies cross-reference Cost/implications Not specific to this report. The national Species Action Plans contain costed proposals. Main Partners All

Timetable January 2001: the Greater London Authority and the London Biodiversity Partnership to launch a set of Species Action Plans for London. On-going: implement Species Action Plans.

Measure Measures specific to each Species Action Plan.

Notes The Species Action Plans are not concerned only with rare and scarce species, but also with typical species and those that are declining. An example Species Action Plan is included below (4.2).

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 4.2 Number Key group: Species Action Plans Action Plan title Narrow-leaved Bitter-cress

Action Plan Maintain and increase the population of this nationally scarce plant Target growing naturally in Brent.

Background The Narrow-leaved Bitter-cress (Cardamine impatiens) is a nationally scarce plant. It was considered extinct in Middlesex until a remnant population was re-discovered at Fryent Country Park in 1985. The previous Middlesex record was ‘near Harrow’ in 1901. It is not found elsewhere in London, Hertfordshire or Essex.

Current status Populations of the plant were monitored locally for several years. The species has a preference for light shade and weak competition (e.g. the herbaceous edges of hedgerows) and on occasionally disturbed ground. Elsewhere in Britain it has preference for Ash woods, river sides and scree. London/national Habitat Action Plans: Hedgerows, BAP cross- Nationally-scarce plant. reference

UDP policy OS15: Species Protection; and other policies. cross-reference Cost/implications None specific to this report.

Main Partners Brent Parks Service, Barn Hill Conservation Group,

Timetable On-going

Measure Population/numbers and geographical area (local hedgerows) in which it is present.

Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.1 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Sites of Nature Conservation Importance

Action Plan A: Maintain, and improving the wildlife status of Sites of Nature Target Conservation Importance in the Borough. B: Reduce Areas of Wildlife Deficiency in the Borough. Targets to be achieved through management of the Council’s own land; encouraging good practice by other land managers; and through planning policy. Background The Greater London Authority (London Ecology Unit) have undertaken a survey of all the wildlife sites in the Borough: see the book ‘Nature Conservation in Brent’ published in 2000. Sites of sufficient wildlife value were assessed as Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation (the best examples of London’s habitats), Sites of Borough (Grade I) and (Grade II) Importance, and Sites of Local Importance. Areas of Wildlife Deficiency were identified (areas more than 1km distant from an accessible Metropolitan or Borough site, or equivalent site in a neighbouring Borough). Current status The Sites of Metropolitan Importance (3 sites, 169 hectares), Sites of Borough Importance: Grade 1 (6 sites, 124 hectares), Grade II: (15 sites, 99 hectares), and Sites of Local Importance (17 sites, 44 hectares) represent just under 10% of the Borough area. These and the Areas of Deficiency (Stonebridge/Wembley/ to Vale Farm; Queensbury; /Willesden Green; and Carlton Vale, have been mapped by the GLA (and for the next revision of the UDP). London/national Habitat Action Plans: All plans for habitats represented in Brent. BAP cross- Species Action Plans: All plans for species represented in Brent. reference UDP policy BE7, 27, 31, 32; EP10, H16, cross-reference OS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 Cost/implications None specific to this report. Main Partners Brent Parks Service, Brent Planning Service, Brent Cemeteries and Mortuary Service, Corporation of London (Queen’s Park), British Waterways, Thames Water, Railtrack, London Underground, other landowners, partnership community groups, Greater London Authority. Timetable On-going Measure Number, area and improved wildlife value (status) of Sites of Metropolitan, Borough (Grade I and II), and Local Sites of Nature Conservation Importance. Reduction in area of Areas of Wildlife Deficiency. Measurement and monitoring by Brent Planning Service (UDP), Local Agenda 21 Team (Indicators for a Sustainable Brent, no. 22), and Greater London Authority (Sites of Nature Conservation Importance/Areas of Deficiency). Notes Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.2 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Grand Union Canal and Canal Feeder

Action Plan Improve the wildlife of the Grand Union Canal and the Canal Feeder in Target Brent

Background The Grand Union Canal is a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, and the Canal Feeder is linked to other Borough and Local Sites. They are the responsibility of British Waterways.

Current status The Grand Union Canal is a resource for Brent and for London. British Waterways are taking the lead on biodiversity issues relating to the Canal. The Canal Feeder passes through several wildlife sites in Brent. The Stonebridge have initiated some work on the Feeder. London/national Habitat Action Plan: Canals BAP cross- Species Action Plans: Several reference UDP policy EP10: Protection of surface water cross-reference OS5: Green Chains OS1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 15 BE 14: Grand Union Canal Corridor, PR4: The Grand Union Canal in Cost/implications None specific to this report.

Main Partners British Waterways, Brent Planning Service

Timetable 2001: Greater London Authority to publish Canals Habitat Action Plan.

Measure Implementation of Canals Habitat Action Plan UDP policy objectives.

Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.3 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Railside Habitats

Action Plan Develop a policy on railside wildlife in consultation with the railtrack Target authorities and the Greater London Authority.

Background There are approximately 93 hectares of railside habitat in Brent considered to be of Borough (Grade I) Importance for Nature Conservation. While Brent Planning Service have a role in protection and improving the wildlife value of railside habitats via the Unitary Development Plan, it may be appropriate to encourage best practice at the level of a London-wide policy. For that, the Greater London Authority may be better placed to take the initiative. Current status No significant action.

London/national Habitat Action Plan: Railway Linesides BAP cross- Species Action Plans: Several. reference

UDP policy OS12, OS14: Wildlife Corridors, OS15, cross-reference Cost/implications None specific to this report.

Main Partners Greater London Authority, Brent Planning, Railtrack, London Underground. Timetable 2001: Greater London Authority launch Railway Linesides Habitat Action Plan. 2001: discuss with the Greater London Authority how to seek action on a London wide and local basis. Measure Development and implementation of a London wide (or Borough) policy for wildlife on railsides. Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.4 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Churchyards and Cemeteries

Action Plan A: Improve the wildlife value of cemeteries and churchyards managed by Target the Council. B: Improve the wildlife value of St. Andrew’s Churchyard, Kingsbury by encouraging community involvement.

Background Churchyards and cemeteries, though often intensively managed, are ideal sites for encouraging wildlife and the wildlife is often appreciated by visitors.

Current status A: Brent Cemeteries and Mortuary Service have undertaken a number of innovations to encourage wildlife at cemeteries and mortuaries in the Borough (and at Carpender’s Park Cemetery, where, for example, woodland burials are available). Some leaflets have been produced. B: The Church of England is the land manager for St. Andrew’s Churchyard, Kingsbury. Much work is undertaken by volunteers. London/national Habitat Action Plans: Churchyards and Cemeteries; Woodland; BAP cross- Species Action Plans: Several e.g. Bats, London’s Exotic Flora, reference UDP policy OS23: Cemeteries and Crematoria cross-reference OS1-3: Metropolitan Open Land, OS11, 12, 13, 15, 21 BE31: Monuments and Earthworks (Old Church Lane) Cost/implications None specific. Brent Cemeteries and Mortuary Service undertake projects as resources allow. St. Andrew’s Churchyard is managed by the Church of England and volunteer teams, though resources are limited. Main Partners Brent Cemeteries and Mortuary Service St. Andrew’s Kingsbury Parochial Church Council, Friends of St. Andrew’s Churchyard, Friends of Paddington Cemetery, BHCG Timetable A: 2001: Progress on wildlife projects at Alperton, Paddington, and Willesden New Cemeteries; and at St. Mary’s and St. John’s Churchyard B: 2001: Discuss the role of the Friends of St. Andrew’s Churchyard in developing a community initiative for the churchyard. Measure A: Progress on projects B: Establish links between the volunteer and other groups at St. Andrew’s Churchyard. Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.5 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Allotments

Action Plan Develop an Action Plan with the Brent Federation of Allotment and Target Horticultural Societies and other partners, to promote the benefits of allotment holding in the Borough; and their value for wildlife.

Background Brent Parks Service administers the allotments service for the Borough. Allotments provide food, and also other benefits for the allotment holders including exercise. While a proportion of each allotment site is effectively under arable cultivation, there are many small areas that are of value to wildlife, e.g. amphibians, birds, insects and slow worms.

Current status The provision of allotments is currently the subject of a wide-ranging review as part of the Best Practice process. The UDP comments that whilst the Borough falls short of the national standards for allotment provision, demand for allotments has continued to decline in Brent. London/national Habitat Action Plans: e.g. links to Farmland; Private Gardens BAP cross- reference

UDP policy OS6-7: Public Open Space cross-reference OS22: Allotments Cost/implications None specific

Main Partners Brent Parks Service Brent Federation of Allotment and Horticultural Societies Others Timetable 2001: Develop Action Plan details with partners

Measure Involvement of allotment societies and individuals in the Action Plan. Projects towards increasing biodiversity.

Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.6. Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Parkland and horticulture

Action Plan To achieve best practice in the maintenance of the Council’s own parks Target and open spaces. To achieve Green Flag Awards for Roundwood Park, Gladstone Park, Gibbons Recreation Ground and Barham Park by 2006. Background The achievement of best practice as certified by e.g. Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001), Quality Assurance (ISO 9002), success in the ‘London in Bloom’ awards, and Green Flag Awards, helps to achieve environmental and biodiversity improvements. For example, the Environmental Management System covers areas such as pollution prevention, green waste, energy conservation, and the reduction of pesticide use. Current status Brent Parks Service is currently certified to ISO 14001 and ISO 9002. The Service has achieved successes in some of the ‘London in Bloom’ awards and has a Green Flag Award for Roundwood Park. The Brent Biodiversity Action Plan is included as a Management Programme in the Environmental Management System and is externally audited. London/national Habitat Action Plans: Parks, Amenity Grasslands and City Squares; BAP cross- Gardens; Woodland; Open Landscapes with Ancient/Old Trees; reference Hedgerows; all other plans relevant to parks and open space habitats. Species Action Plans: All Plans relevant to parks and open space species. UDP policy EP10, OS1, OS2, OS3, OS4, OS5, OS6, OS7, OS8, OS9, OS11, OS13, cross-reference OS 15, OS16, OS17, OS21, OS22, BE31, Cost/implications None specific to this Plan; but there are usually costs to achieving certifications, though this may be off-set by savings and environmental benefits. Main Partners Brent Parks Service

Timetable 2001: Maintain certifications. 2001: Environmental Services to achieve ISO 14001 certification. 2001: Investigate Public Open Space status for John Billam Sports Ground and the potential for wildlife improvements at the periphery. Measure Certification and awards. Green Flag Awards for Roundwood Park, Gladstone Park, Gibbons Recreation Ground and Barham Park by 2006. Notes 1. All Environmental Service units have achieved ISO 14001 certification (August 2001). 2. Parks and Open Spaces include a high proportion of the Sites of Nature Conservation Importance. Additionally, there are small nature areas at Maybank Open Space, King Edward VII Park, and Vale Farm Open Space. These should continue to be maintained.

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.7 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Brent Reservoir including Neasden Recreation Ground

Action Plan A: Complete the Heritage Lottery Award projects for the Brent Reservoir. Target B: Designate part of the Brent Reservoir as a Local Nature Reserve C: Increase the biodiversity of the Reservoir area. Background The Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp) is an important wildlife site in London. The Reservoir is also important for flood control for parts of north-west London and for recreation. The water body and the dam are owned and managed by British Waterways; open space to the north is owned and managed by Barnet Council. These and other organisations and community groups with an interest in the Reservoir, meet four times a year as the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee. Current status The Brent Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. A Heritage Lottery Award was made in 1999 and the capital projects are due for completion in 2001. The two Boroughs are planning to designate part of the site as a Local Nature Reserve. London/national Habitat Action Plans: Lakes, Ponds and Reservoirs; Marshland; Reedbed; BAP cross- Hedgerows; Acid Grassland; Rivers and Streams reference Species Action Plans: Several, e.g. Bats, Water Vole, Grey Heron, UDP policy BE31: Monuments and Earthworks (Old Wood Lane) cross-reference OS 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 12, 15, 16: Welsh Harp and Fryent Country Park, 21 Cost/implications None specific. The Heritage Lottery Award was for £420,000 which with matched funding represents an investment of approximately £660,000. Award projects cover the areas of nature conservation, visitor information and interpretation; and public access and safety. Main Partners Brent Parks, Brent Planning, British Waterways, Barnet Council, Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre, English Nature, Environment Agency, Welsh Harp Conservation Group, Friends of Neasden Recreation Ground, Heritage Lottery Fund, Welsh Harp Sailing Association Timetable A: 2001: completion of Heritage Lottery Award projects. Prepare Management Plan with partners for on-going and future maintenance. B: 2001: Report to WHJCC in February 2001, then to respective Council committees, with Declaration in 2001. C: On-going Measure A: Successful completion of all 18 projects. B: Declaration of Local Nature Reserve. C: Bird monitoring (WHJCC), butterfly monitoring (WHJCC), area of freshwater marshland, wildlife grasslands; and of hedgerow. Notes At Neasden Recreation Ground several projects are underway and in consultation with the local community, to improve the landscape, amenity and wildlife value of this open space as part of the Reservoir landscape.

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001

Action Plan 5.8 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Quainton Street Open Space to Chalkhill

Action Plan Complete the arc of woodland, grasslands and paths linking these Target riverside sites.

Background Between Neasden Lane and the Jubilee and Metropolitan Railway lines, the River Brent passes through Quainton Street Open Space, alongside a housing estate and then alongside Barn Hill Road/Chalkhill Open Space. Much of the riverside is wooded, and there is an area of grassland at Quainton Street Open Space that is cut once a year, in the autumn. Over the past century the Council acquired several parcels of land in this area. The Canal Feeder and a small wetland are at the edge of the site. Current status Young Silver Birch trees were planted on the dis-used BMX track at the Barn Hill Road/Chalkhill Open Space in the late 1990s, and this links to a small parcel of Hawthorn scrub by St. David’s Close.

London/national Habitat Action Plans: Rivers and Streams; Woodland; Grassland, BAP cross- Meadows and Pastures reference Species Action Plans: Several

UDP policy EP10: Protection of surface waters, OS5: Green Chains, OS6, OS7, OS12, cross-reference OS13, OS15, Cost/implications None specific.

Main Partners Brent Parks Service, Brent Group of London Wildlife Trust, housing trust, British Waterways (Canal Feeder) Timetable 2001: Check the growth of the young Silver Birch trees.

Measure Completion of a continuous woodland ‘arc’ from Neasden Lane alongside the River and then to St. David’s Close. Maintain the grassland and the paths providing access through the area. This will be of value to wildlife, landscape and for amenity. Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001

Action Plan 5.9 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title River Brent at Tokyngton and St. Raphael’s Open Spaces and north towards Wembley Stadium Action Plan Restore the river and the landscape with the adjoining open spaces. Target Improve the nature conservation value; accessibility, safety awareness and opportunities for recreation. Create links between residential and employment areas by implementing a new riverside path and cycle route. Background The River Brent through these flood plains was modified in the 20th century to create a straight, concrete lined channel to convey extreme flows that occur relatively infrequently. The river has been divorced from its natural landscape and the natural wildlife of the area was lost. The adjacent open spaces of Tokyngton Recreation Ground and St. Raphael’s Open Space serve some of the more deprived communities in the Borough. The Council accepted a linked open space north of St. Raphael’s from British Rail in 1983, though the legal transfer of freehold remains outstanding. The northern open space is wooded, but has steep, artificial banks, and has suffered from instability and aggregate spillages. Guidance from the Government and the Environment Agency now emphasises the importance of restoring rivers to their natural profile, for flood defence and wildlife reasons. Current status A detailed feasibility study commissioned by the Environment Agency and Brent Council was completed in 2000. It explores a number of options for enhancements along the 2km stretch of river. Extensive consultation has been undertaken with the local communities. London/national Habitat Action Plans: Rivers and Streams; Woodland; BAP cross-ref. Species Action Plans: Several UDP policy EP10: Protection of surface water, OS5: Green Chains, OS6-7: Provision cross-reference and protection of Public Open Space, OS12, 13, 15 Cost/implications None specific to this report. The implementation of the plans would require considerable capital expenditure for which officers are investigating sources of funding with lead partners. Main Partners Brent Environmental Services (Wembley Projects, Transportation, Parks, Planning), Environment Agency, London’s Waterway Partnership SRB, London Development Agency, River Brent Community Steering Group Timetable 2001: Detailed design / assemble funding package / implementation 2002: Implementation of works continue (subject to project phasing) 2003-4: Monitoring and channel adjustments (as necessary) Measure Restoration and e.g. Increased wildlife value of the restored open space; and increased area of Borough (Grade I) Importance. Length of riverside enhanced. Area of land bought back into use; the improvement of water safety awareness; and access to employment areas achieved. Notes On completion, the River, its immediate margins, and the woodland to the north would be suitable for Local Nature Reserve designation. Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.10 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Fryent Country Park

Action Plan A: Restoration of landscape and habitats. Target B: Links to adjacent new public open space at Old Kenton Lane and Abbey National former sports fields.

Background Fryent Country Park is an important wildlife site in London, particularly for its hay meadow and hedgerow landscape. There are also woodlands, a woodland designed by Humphry Repton in 1793, ponds, acid grassland, a brook, an orchard, mown and surfaced paths, horse grazing, and an events field for the annual Brent Countryside Day. It is a Local Nature Reserve.

Current status Brent Parks Service and local community groups, in particular Barn Hill Conservation Group, have been working to restore the park landscape and habitats since the early 1980s.

London/national Habitat Action Plans: Grassland, Meadows and Pasture; Woodland; BAP cross- Hedgerows; Open Landscapes with Ancient/Old Trees; Acid Grassland; reference Lakes, Ponds and Reservoirs Species Action Plans: All plans for species present at the Country Park. UDP policy BE31: Monuments and Earthworks (Hell Lane), EP10: Protection of cross-reference surface water, OS 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15, 16: Welsh Harp and Fryent Country Park, OS17, 21 Cost/implications None specific to this report. A Countryside Stewardship grant from MAFF has assisted with the capital and habitat management costs of the restoration work. The community groups have contributed time weekly to the conservation work; and have also successfully applied to numerous grant aid sources. Main Partners Brent Parks Service, Barn Hill Conservation Group, Friends of Fryent Country Park, Kingsbury Walkers, Brent Group of London Wildlife Trust Timetable A: On-going B: On-going

Measure A: Area or length of each constituent habitat type. B: Success in improving wildlife at, and access links with the Old Kenton Lane site and the Abbey National Sports Ground wildlife area. Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.11 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Gibbons Recreation Ground and adjacent open space

Action Plan Improve the wildlife, landscape, access and community involvement at Target this hub of sites centered on Gibbons Recreation Ground. Achieve Green Flag Award standard for Gibbons Recreation Ground by 2006.

Background Centered on Gibbons Recreation Ground, this ‘hub’ of open spaces and wildlife sites includes a section of the Canal Feeder, Brentfield Open Space, Leicester Road and allotments. The Canal Feeder is owned by British Waterways, the Leicester Road site by PowerGen and the other open spaces by Brent Council (Parks). There is considerable potential for improvements to the wildlife of these linked sites. In addition, Gibbons Recreation Ground would benefit from improved infrastructure, access, play facilities and opportunities for public enjoyment of the greenspace. Current status The area suffers from many inner-city problems, including intense pressure for multiple use of land.

London/national Habitat Action Plans: Canals; Parks, Amenity Grasslands and City BAP cross- Squares reference Species Action Plans: Several

UDP policy EP10, OS6, OS7, (OS8-9: Sports Grounds), OS13, OS15, OS22 cross-reference Cost/implications None specific to this report. Future investment may be required to improve the recreational use and wildlife value of the area. Main Partners Brent Parks Service, Friends of Gibbons Recreation Ground, user groups, British Waterways, PowerGen Timetable 2001: Brent Parks Service to initiate consultation with the user groups.

Measure To improve the wildlife value, landscape and public use of these sites. Achieve Green Flag Award standard for Gibbons Recreation Ground by 2006. To improve wildlife habitats to that of a Site of Local or Site of Borough Importance. Notes Brentfield Open Space and Leicester Road are graded as a Local Site; and the Canal Feeder as Borough (Grade II). Gibbons Recreation Ground and the allotment site are not currently identified as of Nature Conservation importance.

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.12 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Roundwood Park

Action Plan To maintain the Green Flag Award Target

Background Roundwood Park achieved a Green Flag Award in 1999. The Green Flag Award recognises several aspects of environmental quality.

Current status The Green Flag Award was renewed in 2000.

London/national Habitat Action Plans: Parks, Amenity Grasslands and City Squares BAP cross- reference

UDP policy OS6, OS7, OS13 cross-reference Cost/implications None specific to this report.

Main Partners Brent Parks Service, Friends of Roundwood Park

Timetable On-going

Measure Green Flag Award

Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.13 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Gladstone Park

Action Plan Restore parkland at Gladstone Park. Target

Background Gladstone Park is a 40 hectare park on the slopes of a hill, with views towards London. The Park has associations with, amongst others, the Victorian era Prime Minister William Gladstone, and Mark Twain. For several years, the Council and community groups have worked to improve the Park. A Heritage Lottery Fund application was submitted in 2000, and has achieved ‘stage 1’ funding to prepare detailed proposals for the restoration of the park. Current status Detailed proposals for the restoration of the Park, including the landscape of grassland, trees and hedgerows are currently being prepared. Brent Parks Service, Gladstone Park Steering Group, Gladstone Park Consultative Committee, the Brent Group of London Wildlife Trust and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers have undertaken work on the pond, hedgerows, trees and the woodland. London/national Habitat Action Plans: Open Landscapes with Ancient/Old Trees; BAP cross- Hedgerows; Acid Grassland; Grassland, Meadows and Pasture; Parks, reference Amenity Grasslands and City Squares; Woodland Species Action Plans: Several UDP policy OS1, OS2, OS3, OS8, OS9, OS11, OS13, OS14, OS15 cross-reference Cost/implications None specific to this report. The Council has identified matched funding should the Council be awarded the £720,000 grant sought. Main Partners Brent Parks Service, Gladstone Park Steering Group, Gladstone Park Consultative Committee Timetable 2001: Complete detailed proposals to achieve the full grant. 2001/2: Commence projects

Measure Award of the Heritage Lottery Fund grant. Successful completion of projects. Upgrade of wildlife value to a Site of Borough (Grade I) Importance. Notes The future of is a separate, but linked, issue to this Action Plan.

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.14 Number Key group: Sites Action Plan title Roe Green Park

Action Plan The Walled Garden will provide a demonstration wildlife garden, a new Target practical conservation centre will be built and opportunities will be taken to encourage wildlife features elsewhere in Roe Green Park.

Background The wildlife interest of Roe Green Park is centered on the Walled Garden where a demonstration wildlife garden has been created by Barn Hill Conservation Group and Brent Parks Service. There is also a volunteer- run tree nursery growing trees for re-planting at Fryent Country Park. Other wildlife features within Roe Green Park include the Manor House gardens with another pond and a border of horticultural trees and shrubs with some specimens that are rare in London. There is a wooded Nature Area towards the west of the Park. Oak trees on the lines of former hedgerows cross the Park. At present, there is a temporary area of herbaceous vegetation on the former swimming pool site. Current status Most of the development and maintenance of the Walled Garden is now undertaken by volunteers. The Walled Garden is open on Thursday mornings and sometimes at other times of the week. The volunteers have successfully applied for a Heritage Lottery Grant to replace a leaking portakabin with a new practical conservation centre. London/national Habitat Action Plans: Gardens; Woodland; Hedgerows; Parks, Amenity BAP cross- Grasslands and City Squares; Wasteland reference Species Action Plans: several

UDP policy OS11, OS13, OS15, OS16, OS17 cross-reference Cost/implications None specific to this report. Barn Hill Conservation Group have obtained a Heritage Lottery Award of £56,000 for the new building. Main Partners Barn Hill Conservation Group, Brent Parks Service, Social Services (Manor House gardens), resident’s association Timetable 2001: Complete plans and install new building. On-going: improvement of wildlife features, and public access.

Measure Completion of new practical conservation centre building. Upgrade of wildlife value to a Site of Borough (Grade I) Importance.

Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001 Action Plan 5.15 Number Key group:Sites Action Plan title Woodcock Park and the Wealdstone Brook

Action Plan Create a Brent Arboretum, improve the wildlife of Woodcock Park and of Target the Wealdstone Brook in the vicinity.

Background To the north of theWealdstone Brook in Woodcock Park there is an established collection of mature trees. It is suggested that Woodcock Park may be the site for the Brent Arboretum. There is a small nature area in Woodcock Park, though much of the existing wildlife importance of this site is due to the Wealdstone Brook section from Kenton to the Jubilee Line. There is considerable potential to improve the wildlife of the Woodcock Park/Wealdstone Brook sites. Current status There is also a tree collection at Gladstone Park, but the development of an Arboretum there may conflict with the landscape restoration proposals of the Heritage Lottery Award. The current Lottery application suggests that an arboretum could be established on the periphery of Gladstone Park. London/national Habitat Action Plans: Woodland; Parks, Amenity Grasslands and City BAP cross- Squares; Rivers and Streams reference Species Action Plans: Several

UDP policy EP10: Protection of surface water, OS4: Areas of Open Character, OS13, cross-reference OS14: Wildlife Corridors, OS15 Cost/implications None specific to this report. The development of a Brent Arboretum would involve capital and revenue costs. Main Partners Brent Parks Service

Timetable 2001: Brent Parks Service to investigate and decide upon the location/s for tree collections (arboreta) in the Borough and to develop proposals.

Measure Decision on location for the Brent arboreta Development of the tree collection/s. Tree/plant collections: e.g. set of trees of species naturally local to Brent Upgrade of wildlife value to that of a Site of Borough (Grade I) Importance. Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001

Action Plan 6 Number Key group: Environmental Education Action Plan title Environmental Education

Action Plan To maintain and increase the number of school Nature Areas in the Target Borough and their value for wildlife and environmental education.

Background Environmental Education is encouraged through the national curriculum at school, at the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre, and via other media such as guided walks, talks and publications. This Action Plan is concerned with the availability of Nature Areas throughout the Borough devoted primarily to environmental education. Current status Currently, 42 schools in the Borough have Nature Areas, in addition to the site at the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre (part of the Brent Reservoir Site of Metropolitan Importance). Three of the school Nature Areas have the status of ‘Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance’: Barham Primary School, Byron Court Primary School and the Orchard at Malorees Infants and Junior School. London/national Potentially all Habitat and Species Action Plans relevant to the wildlife of BAP cross- the Brent area. reference

UDP policy OS11: Urban greenspace cross-reference OS13: Sites of Borough and Local Conservation Importance, OS12, OS15 Cost/implications None specific. Most School Nature Areas appear to be managed on limited financial resources. The environmental and educational quality of several school Nature Areas would be improved if more resources were available. Main Partners Schools Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre. Timetable On-going

Measure Number (and proportion) of schools in the Borough with Nature Areas. (Quantity is not the same as quality however, and other measures, e.g. area, use of Nature Areas, progress on projects, and the number of school nature areas of Local Nature Conservation Importance could act as measures). Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001

Action Plan 7 Number Key group: Community Involvement Action Plan title Community Involvement

Action Plan To increase volunteer and community involvement in biodiversity in the Target Borough.

Background Community involvement provides opportunities for individuals and local groups to improve the local environment. Volunteer and community groups in the Borough, many of which are represented in the Biodiversity Action Plan team/partnership, have traditionally devoted considerable time to biodiversity issues. Volunteer activity should be further encouraged. Other groups and new groups should be invited to join the partnership. Cooperation between groups and teams should be encouraged to achieve the Biodiversity Action Plan targets. Current status Records are not available from all groups, but one of the more active groups, Barn Hill Conservation Group, contributes over 600 workdays of practical conservation work per year. (Approximately 1200 morning or afternoon sessions). London/national Potentially all Action Plans. Community involvement is a central element BAP cross- of Biodiversity Action Plans and there are also links to the Local Agenda reference 21 process.

UDP policy None specific, though volunteer groups are involved in several of the cross-reference policy areas. Cost/implications None specific. Volunteers contribute considerable time and other resources to projects improving the local environment, where public service resources to undertake that work are not available. Community groups are active in obtaining grant and other sources of income for biodiversity projects in the Borough. Main Partners All volunteer and community groups. Council units involved with Best Value and community consultation. Timetable On-going

Measure Volunteer workdays.

Notes

Brent Biodiversity Action Plan, 23.8.2001